December 2012

As you read, you will see that I suffered a dissected carotid artery from a "hit" I sustained on the slopes of Vail. My passion and niche are artery dissections from slams, jerks and falls while wrestling skiing, running, biking, playing hockey or football ... or from heavy sex! This does sound like fun, but what a way to go :)

Help me identify everyone that's had a dissection, and let's bring this much-needed news story to the masses!!

December 2012

I am so excited to advocate for stroke awareness—and it's most of what I do these days. Although I just did an interview with People Magazine the other day for the March issue about quick fixes for clothing care problems!

I met with the communications director of the American Heart and Stroke Assoc. in Denver last week and laid out some fun projects. I will be doing some speaking, writing and education for them.

By the way, if any of you know a stroke survivor—or people in the medical field—please forward this email and contact information. Feel free to contact me yourself, too. I have formed a National Stroke Support Book Club (NSSBC) and have amassed quite a database of support groups and books about stroke awareness. Visit my new home at www.survivingstroke.com to read about my projects and advocacy! Check out the free excerpts from my new book, Different Strokes!!

I have been calling stroke support groups and stroke coordinators for months and I have had some incredibly illuminating conversations. My latest passion—in addition to all my other pursuits for stroke—is the fast-rising occurrence of sports-related dissections and subsequent strokes. Of the the twenty survivors and spouses I interviewed for my book, five had dissections associated with physical activities. I've since done hundreds of interviews with active stroke survivors and dissections are very common amongst active people!

I am also on the case of the millions of "unaware" people that don't understand aphasia. These people don't recognize aphasic people, so it's up to us to teach and educate. People think we're drunk or retarded: they become frustrated with our speech and, too often, finish our sentences, which is demeaning and frustrating for aphasic people.

My advice ... be patient when encountering such conditions, ask about the person's challenges—as most people are open about this—and take a breath while we get our words out. I know it's not easy, but it is respectful.

OCTOBER 27, 2011

First of all, let me explain why my blog goes from May to October in one swift kick ...

I was slammed with the editing of my new memoir, Different Strokes. This timely book follows my stroke, from TIA'S to full-blown stroke. It also tells the story of twenty other survivors, spouses and caregivers, hence the title! I wish I had this book after my stroke (as does my wife!!).

Okay, if you want to know what my wife Barbara and I decided, once the doctor stated that he'd have to admit me, you will have to read the book! This is not a copout, it's just that my life has changed and I have to start writing about these changes. You can buy Different Strokes at www.survivingstroke.com, as well as at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and booksellers everywhere.

I had this brain cramp that I couldn't shake —like ice cream on the brain. But once it subsided, I realized that I had to start a National Stroke Support Book Club (NSSBC): Affordable, easy-to-read titles, with larger lettering and inspiring stories ... Not too scientific, but emotional, real accounts, with uplifting stories of strength and accomplishment.

I am painstakingly calling every stroke coordinator and support group facilitator, coast-to-coast to share my vision for the fledgling NSSBC. In addition, I am asking group leaders to share their TOP 3 topics for meetings, so every group can benefit.